Saturday, 24 May 2008

On Tuesday, in another blow to animal fighters, we reached a settlement with one of the defendants in our federal lawsuit challenging the sale of two criminal animal fighting magazines on Amazon.com in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

The publishers of "The Gamecock" magazine agreed to permanently change the magazine's format to exclude all ads for fighting animals, knives, and other illegal paraphernalia, and to stop selling the magazine on Amazon.com until it has demonstrated full compliance with federal law for one year.

Sadly, Amazon.com has vowed to fight on in the case, arguing that the First Amendment gives it the right to sell illegal animal fighting contraband. It wants to remain the only online retailer selling "The Feathered Warrior," soon to be the sole remaining cockfighting trade publication sold on Amazon.com in violation of federal law.

Tell Amazon.com what you think of its decision to continue profiting from illegal animal fighting:

Wednesday, 14 May 2008

Yes, I'm still under the Italian influence! These are the pages for Vicki Sun's book - most of the photos were taken in Florence (the 3rd is in Pisa) and the large writing is from the floor of the Duomo. The smaller typing is from a prayer on the back of a card (attached to back of artwork) which I picked up in a church, the front of which translates: "Blessed Celestina of the Mother of God, Maria Anna Donati, founder of the Congregation of the Poor Daughters of St. Joseph Calasanz". There's a small circle at the bottom of the card containing what looks like a snippet of pink material - I'm not sure what it is so if anyone has an idea I'd love to know!

Sunday, 11 May 2008

Saturday, 10 May 2008

My friend Kim and I have recently come under the spell of silver clay since seeing some gorgeous samples at the Hobbycraft show in Birmingham. Of course we couldn't rest until we'd booked a workshop each - I did mine today and was quite pleased with the results:

The first one was brushed but not tumbled after firing, the second tumbled and then dipped in liver of sulfur and the other two tumbled. I had intended making the small one into earrings but managed to break one of them whilst sanding it. Obviously I bought more supplies so have no excuse not to make another one! If the last two pieces look familiar, I used Zettiology stamps to make the impressions.

Monday, 05 May 2008

A freebie from Tuscany for you to use in your artwork - this is a photo of detail from the facade of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral). I took over 300 photos on my holiday - thank goodness for digital cameras! I wouldn't say this is my all time favourite cathedral (first place goes to the magnificent Notre Dame), but the detail and work involved is mind-blowing - a marble extravaganza!